How to Follow Japanese Etiquette. Knowing a few things about Japanese polite
society can spare you a lot of embarrassment. You will need Bowing know-how Dining rules
Gift and business decorum. Step 1. Know how and when to bow: A slight dip of
the neck and shoulders is sufficient for a casual hello to friends; a 30-degree bow from
the waist is standard upon meeting a business associate or being introduced to someone;
a 45-degree bent-over bow is only used if you're meeting someone important, showing
gratitude, or apologizing. Japanese men bow with their arms at their
sides, palms against their legs; women bow with their arms straight in front of them,
fingers clasped. Step 2. Observe dining etiquette. Eat nigiri sushi with your fingers and sashimi
with chopsticks. Cleanse your palate between bites with ginger;
don't use it as a topping. For soup, use your chopsticks to pick out
the solid food and then drink the liquid directly from the bowl. Feel free to slurp noodle soup -- loudly. Tipping is not only unnecessary, but insulting. Use condiments like soy sauce and wasabi sparingly;
to do otherwise implies that the chef didn't season the food properly. Step 3. Know chopstick etiquette: In a nice restaurant,
don't rub them together to smooth down splinters; it's unnecessary, and sends the signal that
you think the restaurant is a dive. Don't point them at anyone or jab them into
your food. Step 4. Give a modest, impersonal gift to a Japanese
business associate; specialties from your hometown are ideal. If you're visiting someone's home, bring something
that can be shared, like alcohol or a cake, rather than flowers. Step 5. Offer business cards with both hands, information
facing the recipient, and take theirs with either your right hand or both. Spend at least 15 seconds reading their card
or you'll appear disrespectful. Don't shove a business card in your back pocket
and sit on it -- that's considered the height of rudeness. Step 6. If you're at a business meeting, always wait
to be seated by your host; where you sit is predetermined by your status. If you're served tea or coffee, accept it
as is, which may or may not be with milk and sugar. Take a few sips even if you don't want it. Step 7. Never blow your nose in public, or eat or
drink while walking; such behaviors are viewed with disgust. But it's perfectly acceptable to use the toothpicks
provided by restaurants to clean your teeth at the table. Sayonara! Did you know Young people in Japan consider
it rude to phone someone without texting them first to see if they're available.